Three protests, three countries – Dramatic scenes are unfolding during chaotic anti-government protests in Thailand, Ukraine and Venezuela this week. Here is an on-the-ground look at the protests in these countries.

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Ukraine – A Ukrainian protester stands in front of the burning Euromaidan protest camp in Kiev on Wednesday February 18. Protesters set up tents in the square in December, says iReporter and American journalist Chris Collison.

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Ukraine – Protesters line up along barricades as Berkut police surround Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Kiev's central square, on February 18.

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Ukraine – A woman on a Kiev street digs up pavement bricks to be used as weapons by pro-Europe demonstrators. Ukrainian student Oleksandr Guzenko said he was fascinated by "how motivated and brave [protesters] were to stand there and make a change, support and contribute."

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Ukraine – David Solomon, who was visiting Ukraine, spotted heavyweight boxer Vitali Klitschko (shown in the center wearing a fur hat) at a January 23 protest in Kiev. "This high-profile person came to this seemingly menacing environment to show his supporters that he does indeed stand by them, and he literally did."

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Venezuela – Protesters often rally with the Venezuelan flag, says Roberto Carlo Rojas, a professional photographer who supports the protesters. "Nothing that the government says (about the protests) is real," he said. He captured this photo on February 16 in Maracaibo.

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Venezuela – A student in Maracaibo lights a tire on fire on February 15. Rojas explained this is a maneuver students use to close down streets.

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Venezuela – "Surprisingly, the police and some military personnel helped the students to close streets and protected them," Rojas said of a February 15 protest in Maracaibo.

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Venezuela – "Damned is the media that gives its people the cold shoulder," reads a sign held by a student protesting in Caracas on February 15. Protesters are upset because they say the national media is not reporting about the protests and the violence.

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Venezuela – A protester in Caracas stands in front of a "piquete," a National Guard picket. Freelance photographer Carlos Becerra captured this image on February 15.

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Venezuela – A young woman cries on February 13 at the place where one of the opposition members was killed a day before in Caracas.

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Thailand – Freelance translator and journalist Agata Kowalska captured these images of anti-government protesters in Bangkok a day before the country's troubled elections on February 2.

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Thailand – Protesters stand near their tents in Bangkok, where they have been camping out since November 2013. "The atmosphere was peaceful ... though some tension was to be read from the protestors' faces," Kowalska said.

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Thailand – Surasak Yiengjuntuek was at a January 26 demonstration in Bangkok after anti-government protest leader Suthin Thararin was shot and killed. The yellow headbands show a rallying cry for the current leader of the protests, Suthep Thaugsuban. "Suthep, fight fight," the headbands read.

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Thailand – Michael O'Connor, an American who has lived in Bangkok for more than 20 years, was observing the protests when the Thai government declared a state of emergency on January 21.

Just Watched

Clashes in Kiev, Bangkok and Caracas

Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters in Kiev, Ukraine, clash with police in Independence Square on Wednesday, February 19. Thousands of anti-government demonstrators have packed the square since November, when President Viktor Yanukovych reversed a decision on a trade deal with the European Union and instead turned toward Russia.

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Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters clash with police in Kiev on February 19. The unrest in Ukraine intensified after an anti-protest law went into effect in January. Demonstrators took to the streets to protest the law, which was later repealed.

Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester rushes through a broken door in the regional prosecutor's office in Lviv, Ukraine, on February 19. Police said the unrest has spread to western Ukraine, with protesters attacking police and local government offices in a number of regions.

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Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters in Lviv burn papers from a government building on February 19.

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Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester aims a weapon in Kiev on Tuesday, February 18.

Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters stand guard inside the Ukraine Justice Ministry in Kiev on January 27. Demonstrators later left the building because they didn't want to create any difficulties in negotiations between the government and opposition, a protest leader said. Protesters repositioned themselves outside and blocked access to the building, the leader said.

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Ukraine protests turn deadly – Orthodox priests lead the funeral service for slain protester Mikhail Zhiznevsky in Kiev on Sunday, January 26.

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Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police officers stand in line during anti-government protests in Kiev on Saturday, January 25.

But the dispute is also about power. Many in the opposition have called for the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych and the ordering of new elections. And both on the streets and in parliament, they've also pushed to alter the government's overall power structure, feeling that too much of it rests with Yanukovych and not enough with parliament.

Who's protesting?

An opposition coalition has been leading the charge against Yanukovych and his allies.

In November, thousands spilled onto the streets after Yanukovych did a U-turn over a trade pact with the European Union that had been years in the making -- with Yanukovych favoring closer relations with Russia instead.

A shaky truce agreed to late Wednesday disintegrated by the next morning, as gunfire erupted again in the square. At least 100 people have died and 500 have been injured since Thursday morning, the head of the protesters' medical service told CNN.

The Ukrainian government has not released an updated figure, but the Interior Ministry said earlier that one police officer was among the dead.

Foreign ministers from Germany, France and Poland met with Yanukovych on Thursday and are to meet with opposition leaders too. European foreign ministers convened an emergency meeting in Brussels, Belgium, where they are considering sanctions against Ukraine.

VENEZUELA

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Protests in Venezuela – A member of the Bolivarian National Police clashes with protestors during a demonstration against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on Saturday, May 10. Clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces have left more than 40 people dead and about 800 injured since February, according to officials.

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Protests in Venezuela – Venezuelan riot police stormed four encampments of opposition students on Thursday, May 8, across Caracas, including one in front of the United Nations headquarters in the capital city, detaining hundreds.

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Protests in Venezuela – Venezuelan National Guard personnel in riot gear dismantle a students' encampment in front of the U.N. headquarters in Caracas on May 8.

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Protests in Venezuela – Venezuelan riot police arrest a student taking part in an anti-government protest in Caracas on May 8.

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Protests in Venezuela – Members of the Venezuelan National Guard detain a man during a protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, on Saturday, April 26. Over several months, protesters unhappy with Venezuela's economy and rising crime have squared off against security forces.

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Protests in Venezuela – Demonstrators destroy a bank sign in Caracas during a protest against the government on Sunday, April 20.

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Protests in Venezuela – Police officers shield themselves from fireworks thrown by protesters in Caracas on April 20.

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Protests in Venezuela – A man helps an injured demonstrator in Caracas on April 20.

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Protests in Venezuela – A masked protester watches clashes with the National Police in Caracas on Thursday, April 17.

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Protests in Venezuela – A police officer runs from a fire set off by a Molotov cocktail thrown by protesters in Caracas on April 17.

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Protests in Venezuela – A masked anti-government demonstrator throws a tear gas canister back at National Police during clashes in Caracas on Saturday, April 12.

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Protests in Venezuela – A protester shouts for fellow demonstrators to not attack the National Police trapped under a highway with protesters during clashes on April 12.

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Protests in Venezuela – A student opposed to the Venezuelan government looks toward the National Police during a protest outside the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas on Thursday, April 3.

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Protests in Venezuela – An opposition student struggles with members of a pro-government group at the Central University of Venezuela on April 3.

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Protests in Venezuela – People shout insults at police Tuesday, April 1, during clashes between police and anti-government protesters in Caracas.

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Protests in Venezuela – Members of Venezuela's National Police clash with demonstrators in the Cachao sector of Caracas on Monday, March 31.

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Protests in Venezuela – Protesters clash with members of Venezuela's National Police during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro's government on Sunday, March 30, in Caracas.

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Protests in Venezuela – Officers stand guard during an anti-government march in Caracas on Saturday, March 29.

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Protests in Venezuela – Thousands fill the streets of Caracas on Saturday, March 22, during an anti-government protest. Meanwhile, a crowd of pro-government students marched against what they called "fascist violence."

Protests erupt in Venezuela – An activist is taken by police during an anti-government protest in Caracas on March 13.

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Protests in Venezuela – Police officers put out a Molotov cocktail on March 13.

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Protests in Venezuela – Venezuelan students clash with riot police during a protest against the government on Wednesday, March 12.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Students walk amid tear gas shot by riot police in Caracas on March 12.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters run from a water cannon blast shot by police in Caracas on March 12.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A police officer is removed from the front line of clashes after being overwhelmed by tear gas in Caracas.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – An injured protester is helped away in Caracas on March 12.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A riot policeman kicks back a tear gas bomb during a protest in Caracas on March 12.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester throws a tear gas canister in Altamira, Venezuela, on Sunday, March 9.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Police keep formation during protests against the government in Caracas on Saturday, March 8.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – National Guard members arrest an anti-government protester during clashes in the Los Ruices neighborhood of Caracas on Thursday, March 6.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – National Guard members take cover as a firecracker launched by protesters explodes nearby in Caracas on Wednesday, March 5.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – An activist throws tear gas back at riot police during a protest against the government March 5 in Caracas.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters clash with the National Guard during a protest in Caracas on Tuesday, March 4.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – National Guard members are deployed in Caracas on March 4.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester throws a tear gas canister toward National Guard members in Caracas on March 4.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Anti-government demonstrators gather during a protest in Caracas on March 4.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters destroy a wall March 4 to get more rocks to throw at riot police in Caracas.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – National Guard members detain a protester March 4 in Caracas.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A National Guard officer points a tear gas launcher at demonstrators in Caracas on March 4.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters use a giant slingshot to launch stones at police during clashes in Caracas on Monday, March 3.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – National Guard members throw tear gas canisters toward opposition activists in Caracas on March 3.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester tries to throw a homemade bomb during clashes with police March 3 in Caracas.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester ducks during clashes with police March 3 in Caracas.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A National Guard member shoots tear gas during protests in Caracas on March 3.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A masked protester with a makeshift shield kicks a tear gas canister launched by the National Guard during clashes in Caracas on Sunday, March 2.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Activists in Caracas march in protest against the government on March 2.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester hurls a Molotov cocktail at National Guard troops on March 2.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester shouts during clashes with government forces in Caracas on March 2.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – National Guard officers stand in formation after a patrol in Valencia, Venezuela, on Saturday, March 1.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters clash with police forces in Caracas on March 1.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A demonstrator attends a rally with human rights activists in Caracas on Friday, February 28.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters take cover from a police water cannon in Caracas on February 28.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A demonstrator throws a rock at police during an anti-government protest in Valencia on Wednesday, February 26.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A policeman fires his shotgun to disperse protesters in Valencia on February 26.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Women march to the National Guard headquarters in Caracas on February 26 to protest what they call excessive use of force against anti-government demonstrations.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – An employee of a supermarket in Maracay, Venezuela, inspects the damage done by looters on February 26.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A man stands next to a burning street barricade during a protest against the Venezuelan government in Caracas on Monday, February 24.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Henrique Capriles, an opposition leader and governor of the Venezuelan state of Miranda, joins in a news conference February 24 in Caracas. Opposition leaders and government officials blame each other for the unrest, and both sides show no sign of backing down.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A pedestrian moves past a burning barricade blocking a highway in Caracas on February 24.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro acknowledges the crowd during a motorcycle rally organized in support of his government February 24 in Caracas.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Lilian Tintori de Lopez, the wife of jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, center, walks hand in hand with actress Norkys Batista, left, and lawmaker Maria Corina Machado as they arrive for a news conference in Caracas on February 24.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A motorcyclist, left, argues with demonstrators blocking a highway in Caracas on February 24.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A man wearing a T-shirt with the likeness of Latin American hero Simon Bolivar joins in a pro-government march in Caracas on Sunday, February 23.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A man carries a woman overcome by tear gas that was fired at anti-government protesters in Caracas on Saturday, February 22.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Anti-government protesters take cover during clashes with riot police in Caracas on February 22.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Thousands take to the streets of Caracas on February 22 to protest the government.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Lilian Tintori de Lopez attends an anti-government demonstration in Caracas on February 22.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A Venezuelan protester waves a flag in front of a burning barricade in Caracas on Friday, February 21.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters face National Guard troops in San Cristobal, Venezuela, on February 21.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A woman waves a Venezuelan flag out of her Caracas window on February 21.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A masked protester sprays a flammable substance on a barricade during protests in Caracas on February 21.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Barricades set up by opposition protesters block a road in the Altamira neighborhood of Caracas on Thursday, February 20.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester adds fuel to a fire during clashes with police in Caracas on February 20.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters light fires during an anti-government demonstration in Caracas on Wednesday, February 19.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters throw stones at riot police in Caracas on February 19. Protesters have been demanding better security, an end to scarcities, and protected freedom of speech.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Members of the National Police protect themselves during a protest in Caracas on February 19.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Two women sit in front of a line of National Guard officers outside the Palace of Justice in Caracas on February 19.

Protests erupt in Venezuela – A supporter of Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez protests outside of the Palace of Justice in Caracas on February 19.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Leopoldo Lopez is escorted by members of the Venezuelan National Guard on Tuesday, February 18, after turning himself in to authorities.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Lopez supporters light fires in the streets of Caracas on February 18.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Thousands of demonstrators gather in support of Lopez in Caracas on February 18.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester faces riot police February 18 during a march in Caracas.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – President Maduro raises his fist during a rally in Caracas on February 18, in this photo released by the Venezuelan government. Maduro and his supporters have blamed the opposition for causing the very problems it protests.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester confronts the National Guard as they block the path leading to downtown Caracas on February 18.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters clash with the National Guard during demonstrations in Caracas on February 18.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Demonstrators stand on a highway during a protest outside La Carlota airport in Caracas on February 18.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A young woman argues with members of the Venezuelan National Guard during an anti-government protest in Caracas on Monday, February 17.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A group of protesters raise their hands during a demonstration in Caracas on Sunday, February 16. The country has an inflation rate of 56.2%, the highest in the world, and many basic goods are missing from store shelves.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A demonstrator shouts for riot police not to fire tear gas in Caracas on Saturday, February 15.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A student protester returns a tear gas canister to riot police on February 15 in Caracas.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Riot police stand during clashes in Caracas on February 15.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Thousands of students lie on the ground during a protest in front of the Venezuelan Judiciary building in Caracas on February 15.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Students stand in front of police February 14 outside the Caracas headquarters for the Organization of American States.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – On Thursday, February 13, relatives, friends and pro-government supporters carry the coffin of a man who was killed during a protest in Caracas.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez greets supporters during a demonstration in Caracas on Wednesday, February 12. Lopez was charged with murder, terrorism and arson in connection with the protests, according to his party, Popular Will. Lopez denies the accusations, the party said in a statement.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – The body of a protester is carried away after gunshots were fired during an anti-government rally in Caracas on February 12.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Police detain a student in Caracas on February 12.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester walks past a line of riot police in Caracas on February 12.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A demonstrator is detained after jumping over a riot police line in Caracas on February 12.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Riot police protect themselves during an opposition rally in Caracas on February 12.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – Police detain a student during clashes in Caracas on February 12.

Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester throws a stone in Caracas on February 12.

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Protests erupt in Venezuela – A student falls to the ground in front of riot police in Caracas on February 12.

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EXPAND GALLERY

What are the protesters' demands?

Demonstrators are demanding better security, an end to goods shortages and protected freedom of speech.

They blame Venezuela's government, led by President Nicolas Maduro, for those problems. Maduro and other officials blame the opposition for the country's security and economic problems.

Who's protesting?

Many demonstrators across the country are students. Prominent opposition politicians have also led protests and joined marches.

Since February 13, more than 1,100 images have been uploaded to iReport, CNN's user-generated platform. Many of the videos and photos are gruesome and depict violent scenes between demonstrators and police.

When did the demonstrations start?

Nationwide student protests started this month. On February 12, the demonstrations drew global attention after three people were killed.

Lopez remained in a military prison Thursday as the government pressed terrorism and murder charges against him, his wife said. Lopez has denied the charges, which are connected with violence during the protests.

Maduro, meanwhile, has called members of the opposition fascists and compared them to an infection that needs to be cured. Officials have also accused the United States of plotting to destabilize the government.

THAILAND

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Political turmoil in Thailand – Hospital workers evacuate an injured villager after an attack near an anti-government rally in Khao Saming in Thailand's Trat province on Sunday, February 23. A 5-year-old girl was killed and more than 30 others wounded when attackers sprayed bullets on an anti-government rally in eastern Thailand, police said.

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Political turmoil in Thailand – A bomb squad examines the scene of an explosion at an anti-government rally in Bangkok on February 23. Two children and a woman were killed and more than 20 injured outside a shopping mall. Protesters have been calling for the ouster of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whom they allege is a puppet of her billionaire brother, the deposed, exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

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Political turmoil in Thailand – Debris is marked at the scene of the explosion in Bangkok on February 23.

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Political turmoil in Thailand – A protester shouts slogans in front of Thai army soldiers on guard during a rally in front of the temporary office of the prime minister at the defense ministry complex in Bangkok on Wednesday, February 19.

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Political turmoil in Thailand – A convoy of trucks carrying protesters sets off for a demonstration at the defense ministry complex in Bangkok on February 19.

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Political turmoil in Thailand – Security forces guard the temporary Thai government office during protests in Bangkok on February 19.

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Political turmoil in Thailand – Protesters rally in front of the defense ministry complex in Bangkok on February 19. The demonstrators want to replace Yingluck's government with an unelected "people's council" to see through electoral and political changes.

Political turmoil in Thailand – Police officers assist a colleague who was injured by a grenade thrown by protesters in Bangkok on Tuesday, February 18. At least five people were killed and more than 70 were injured in clashes during a police crackdown.

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Political turmoil in Thailand – Two protesters who were arrested are taken away in a police van after clashes at Phan Fah Bridge in Bangkok on February 18. Thai police tried to reclaim the area, which anti-government protestors had been occupying for weeks, but were eventually forced to retreat after a grenade explosion and sporadic gunfire.

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Political turmoil in Thailand – Protesters wave flags during a standoff with riot police in Bangkok on February 18.

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Political turmoil in Thailand – Thai rice farmers clash with security forces in Bangkok on Monday, February 17. The political crisis took on a new twist when a subsidy program that benefited rice farmers -- part of the Prime Minister's base -- was decried as corrupt by opposition leaders.

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Political turmoil in Thailand – Protesters arrive at a rally outside a police headquarters in Bangkok on Friday, February 14.

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Political turmoil in Thailand – Riot police stand guard in Bangkok on February 14.

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Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand15 photos

Political turmoil in Thailand – A demonstrator sits in front of a row of riot police during an operation to reclaim government offices occupied by protesters in Bangkok on February 14. The attempted evictions led to a flare-up of violence after a period of relative calm.

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What are the protesters' demands?

Protesters in Bangkok have been calling for months for the ouster of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who they allege is a puppet of her billionaire brother, the deposed, exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Who's protesting?

Opposition to Thaksin and Yingluck is strongest among the urban elites and middle class. That's why the demonstrations have been concentrated in Bangkok. The protesters want to replace Yingluck's government with an unelected "people's council" to see through electoral and political changes.